Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

Free printable Lab values & electrolytes worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy

What is a typical adult reference range for serum bicarbonate (total CO2) on a metabolic panel?

  1. AAbout 98–106 mEq/L
  2. BAbout 22–28 mEq/L
  3. CAbout 8–12 mEq/L
  4. DAbout 35–45 mEq/L
2.Easy

A raised alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in an adult is most closely linked to which cancer?

  1. AHepatocellular (liver) cancer
  2. BDuctal breast cancer
  3. CProstate adenocarcinoma
  4. DBladder urothelial cancer
3.Easy

What does a positive direct antiglobulin test (direct Coombs test) show?

  1. AThe patient's plasma is missing the clotting factor VIII
  2. BAntibodies or complement are attached to the patient's red cells
  3. CThe patient's red cells are too small and contain little hemoglobin
  4. DThe patient's platelets are clumping together in the blood sample
4.Medium

A patient with hyponatremia from SIADH starts tolvaptan. Why is the serum sodium checked frequently in the first day?

  1. AThe sodium can rise too quickly
  2. BThe drug lowers blood glucose sharply
  3. CThe sodium always falls further
  4. DThe drug causes severe hyperkalemia
5.Medium

Which instruction is correct for a patient starting oral iron tablets?

  1. ATake each tablet with milk to protect the stomach
  2. BYour stools may turn dark green or black
  3. CTake the tablet with an antacid to improve absorption
  4. DYour urine will turn bright orange while you take it
6.Medium

A patient with recurrent gout starts allopurinol. Which laboratory result shows that the treatment is achieving its goal?

  1. AA rising serum calcium
  2. BA falling serum uric acid
  3. CA rising white cell count
  4. DA falling serum potassium
7.Hard

The nurse teaches a patient starting lithium. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I will tell my doctor if I have vomiting or diarrhea"
  2. B"I will drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather"
  3. C"I will check with the pharmacist before taking ibuprofen"
  4. D"I will cut out salt from my diet completely to stay healthy"
8.Hard

An RN cares for a patient on a 24-hour urine collection. Which task can be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), such as a nursing or healthcare assistant?

  1. AInterpreting the creatinine clearance result when it comes back
  2. BDeciding whether to restart the collection after a missed sample
  3. CTeaching the patient why the 24-hour collection is needed
  4. DSaving all urine in the collection container as instructed

Answer key

  1. 1. B · About 22–28 mEq/L
  2. 2. A · Hepatocellular (liver) cancer
  3. 3. B · Antibodies or complement are attached to the patient's red cells
  4. 4. A · The sodium can rise too quickly
  5. 5. B · Your stools may turn dark green or black
  6. 6. B · A falling serum uric acid
  7. 7. D · "I will cut out salt from my diet completely to stay healthy"
  8. 8. D · Saving all urine in the collection container as instructed

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